I am an invisible woman -A study about prostitution in Iran

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the state of female prostitution in the city of Tehran, and besides, analyze the elements that can lead women to harlotry in Iran. This research is based on three sources of information: firstly, interviews with three harlots in Tehran and I got help of a semi-structured interview guide. Secondly, I discussed prostitution with conscious resources that worked within the public services in Tehran and had experienced of working with female prostitutes. Thirdly I analyzed texts and reports about prostitution in Iran. The data from interviews are tied to two theories: symbolic interactionism and feminism. The results show that the most significant factors that lead women to prostitution are family violence, poverty and running away from home. Beside these elements there were other factors, such as low level of education and unemployment, which were common among interviewees. The data from text analysis show that prostitution is a major problem in the city of Tehran but authorities do not take sufficient measures to solve and prevent this problem.